2005 XC70 headlight upgrade

EamonnMR · Post by **EamonnMR** » 01 Apr 2019, 06:57

So I'm finding the brightness of the headlights a bit lackluster. Can't see far enough ahead of me at night, and there are deer and such around here. I know there where better headlights as an option, Xenon or some such, can those be swapped right in? Or has anyone found LED headlights that are compatible and brighter?

Post by **abscate** » 01 Apr 2019, 07:23

Definitely check your reflectors to see if they are shiny and bright, they do tend to oxidise and then the lights get sad and gloomy.

New Volvo ones about $400 a side here (Ouch)

TYC or Valeo are about half that - Ill bet VALEO make them for Volvo

31276832, 30648217, 30698838 Right

31276831, 30648216, 30698837 Left

Post by **Rattnalle** » 01 Apr 2019, 07:59

OE are Valeo afaik.

I agree check the reflectors and since it's an 05 the condition of the plastic lens. Stock halogens aren't super but they are pretty decent.

EngineeringBloke · Post by **EngineeringBloke** » 01 Apr 2019, 10:12

You can recondition the plastic over the headlights with a kit, but they tend to revert fairly quickly. Perhaps a clear coat on top, but I have not tried it. On my list to do!

veektor · Post by **veektor** » 01 Apr 2019, 13:43

The lenses on my '08 are hazy. Whenever I see the earlier years of P2 cars in the junkyard, I feel the impulse to get the older headlights with glass lenses, and attempt to retrofit them on mine. I haven't bothered because I have a strong suspicion they wouldn't fit, and there is not a single DIY post about such retrofit. Still, doesn't stop my from fantasizing about those gloriously crystal clear lenses.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 01 Apr 2019, 14:03

The other way around works so I don't see why it shouldn't you'd just have to create the adapter wiring yourself, reversing the wires for a plastic headlight on an older car.

Post by **cn90** » 01 Apr 2019, 16:25

If the plastic cover gets hazy, search "bimmerfest E39 forum" for tricks on how to do wet sanding to restore the plastic to factory clarity.

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 03 Apr 2019, 16:50

veektor wrote: ↑01 Apr 2019, 13:43 The lenses on my '08 are hazy. Whenever I see the earlier years of P2 cars in the junkyard, I feel the impulse to get the older headlights with glass lenses, and attempt to retrofit them on mine. I haven't bothered because I have a strong suspicion they wouldn't fit, and there is not a single DIY post about such retrofit. Still, doesn't stop my from fantasizing about those gloriously crystal clear lenses.

Do only the 2000 & 2001 have glass lenses? I've been searching for them also. The adaptive bulbs have slightly melted the inside of my plastic lenses.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 03 Apr 2019, 22:36

2004 has glass. 2005 and on plastic.

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 04 Apr 2019, 05:58

Rattnalle wrote: ↑03 Apr 2019, 22:36 2004 has glass. 2005 and on plastic.

There's a 2004 S60 AWD in a junk yard 6 miles south of me. When I was there yesterday they quoted me only $25 for each headlight. I'll stop over and snatch them today.

I was peaking at the driveshaft and the rear flange on that 2004 S60 AWD. The driveshaft was 2" shorter than the one on my 2007 XC70 and the flange didn't have the rubber damper inside.